Darren Clarke opened up a six stroke lead over fellow European Tour Member Peter Lonard at the halfway stage of the MCI Heritage at Hilton Head after a second successive 65 at the Harbour Town Golf Links.
Frenchman Thomas Levet in fourth place and Australian Nick O’’Hern in joint fifth are also putting up strong performances.
Clarke moved to 12 under par 130, defying a swirling, gusting wind to establish the largest 36 hole lead in the event’’s history effort. He leads first round leader Lonard of Australia, who shot a 74, and American Patrick Sheehan by six with Levet a further two shots back on four under par after he too posted a 74.
Clarke was imperious on the narrow fairways and small greens splitting six birdies evenly on the front and back nine to leave him at 12-under 130 on a day when only 24 players broke par.
.
"I played well yesterday but I think I probably hit the ball better today than yesterday," said Clarke. "Conditions are pretty tough but I drove the ball well and if you drive the ball well and get it in the fairway you're going to give yourself chances."
Lonard, who roared round Harbour Town with 11 birdies on the way to an opening round 62, had just four in his second round and mixed them with seven bogeys, as he battled to three over 74.
"It's not discouraging, I just didn't drive it good," said Lonard. "I feel like if I go out to the range and sort my driver out and drive it a good bit tomorrow, I'll be back in with the show.
"I obviously didn't hole as many putts as I did yesterday, but I hit a lot of good putts."
